I was interested to read this French article which appeared in the Nouvelle Observateur as the lead in to a TV programme in 2014.

This story about the use of "coupeurs du feu" (people who take the pain out of burns) by people having radiotherapy treatment in the Aveyron is summed up well by the oncologist interviewed - he doesn't advise his patients to go this route but if it makes them feel good, then why not?